While chances of a propane gas tank leak are low, it’s still necessary to be prepared for any situation. The more familiar you are with typical signs of a leak, the faster you can respond and protect your family. Superior Gas, a premier gas company in Roanoke, AL, shares a few signs you should look for. 

A Guide to Detecting Propane Gas Leaks

1. Rotten Egg Smell

While propane doesn’t have a smell itself, providers add the chemical mercaptan before it’s transferred to your tank to help you identify a potential leak. This makes it smell like rotten eggs or sulfur. If you smell this odor, open all of your windows and doors to let in the air, shut off all of your gas appliances, and turn off the pilot lights. If you can’t find a leak, call your provider for a professional inspection.

2. Yellow or Orange Flame

A more subtle sign to watch out for is if you notice a suspicious absence of blue in the flames of your furnace or stove. If they have orange or yellow flames, it means that carbon monoxide is escaping into your home. If you can’t find the cause of the flame variation, such as from clogged burners or excess air moisture in the home, turn off all of the propane appliances and call a professional.

3. Physical Symptoms

When humans breathe in propane, they will quickly start developing unpleasant symptoms, including nausea and coughing. You might feel like the room is spinning or have trouble catching your breath. If anything starts to feel off in your body and you don’t know why, a leak might be the culprit. If you notice these symptoms with the sulfuric smell, turn off all of the propane appliances, open the windows, and seek medical treatment as soon as possible. 

If you suspect you have a propane gas leak, turn off all appliances immediately and call Superior Gas. The gas experts will come right over to your house, neutralize the problem, and safeguard the tank for the future. To schedule a consultation, call (256) 396-2428 today, or visit their website to learn more about their services.